Faking Your Birthday??

[mdhkitten]

I've celebrated both of my daughter's two birthdays so far at WDW. I got her birthday buttons at each park each time. The first trip we were there during her birthday. She really didn't receive any "special attention" from CM's other than them wishing her a happy birthday. It's not like we were taken to the front of rides or given fast passes. When we checked in that time I mentioned that it was her birthday at the counter (this is at the Contemporary), and we were booked for a standard view and they upgraded us to a view of Bay Lake (we had 2 rooms and they upgraded both). They also asked her name and when we came back one night from the parks they had an autographed photo of Minnie wishing her a happy b'day and a few balloons. This was very sweet! She also got a cupcake at Chef Mickey's, but the restaurants just typically do that for birthdays I think.

The second time we had to go a couple of weeks before her birthday. I went ahead and told them that we were celebrating her birthday (which we were....it was her only celebration), and again we got the pins, and the hotel gave her a birthday certificate and again the balloons/autographed photo. She got a cupcake at CP and that was about it. The one thing that I got was complete embarrasment from a bus driver because I had a "It's My Birthday" button on the diaper bag that I had on my shoulder. He messed with me the entire bus ride, but it was fun!

She actually got more attention on our November trip (my b'day, but I didn't bother with the birthday buttons). I guess it's because it was the Year of a Million Dreams. One man at the hotel pulled a small plastic Mickey figurine (which she still loves to tote around) from his shirt pocket and gave it to her, and a security guard gave her a load of stickers. She thought that was the best thing in the world (it meant a lot to me, too)!

Lot of people go and celebrate special events that aren't close to the day that they travel, and a lot are honest and Disney is fine with that. They've even joked about un-birthdays. Why don't you tell them next day that it's your un-birthday and see if they give you a button. They probably will!

 

[CampbellScot]

My step kids birthdays are in April within one week of each other. We are giving them the Disney trip as *most* of their birthday present...they both have "wished" to have their birthdays at Disneyworld...but as they are both in school and have various camps throughout July, we can't go until August. We are certainly going to get them both a Birthday Button. We aren't expecting any extras, the kids will just be THRILLED to have Disney Birthday buttons. Are we teaching them to be dishonest? Nope...just following through on a birthday promise. This is not lying or cheating in any way. We aren't asking them to "pretend" it's their birthday either. If someone says Happy Birthday I'm sure my 5 year old stepson will announce that he turned five in April but we are celebrating his birthday in Disneyworld...complete with a little happy dance!

Honestly I'm not sure why it matters to other people. They are Birthday buttons and some well wishes from CM's...Disney doesn't have a problem with it. No one is getting anything free or taking something from others...

how bout mind y'alls own beeswax?

and just to chime in about people "expecting" things from Disney for their birthday...how sad and out of control this sense of entitlement has gotten...and it's not just in kids...it's in adults as well. Isn't the unexpected bit of pixie dust what makes it special? I can't imagine ever complaining to disney b/c I didn't or my child didn't get her share of "magic"...Let's make our own magic shall we?

 

[GrumpyFamilyof5]

There not going to be any of our birthdays on this trip, so this might be a little off the subject, but is there something I can do or ask for at the resort to acknowledge something though. Even though we've planned on this trip for awhile now, I thought it would be great to somehow tell the kids how proud we are of them for making good grades this year. Maybe get some Congrats balloons or something?? Would a CM do anything for something like this or am I on my own on this one(either way it's fine)

 

[Donaldsfan176]

It's not called "faking"; it's called lying, and IMO, it is reprehensible that a parent would consider that to be clever and to condone it.

We will be there the *week* of our daughter's birthday, and plan to be very up front with Guest Services, that her birthday is that week, but that we will actually not be at WDW on her actual birthday. If GS gives her a button, fine; if not, fine, as well. She is not genuinely entitled to it, as we have explained, but we'll let Disney decide if the rules can be bent a little.

~YEKCIM

It's not called "faking"; it's called lying.

EXACTLY!! Please dont get me wrong I realize that in some case's it is impossible to get that magic trip on your birthday. I feel if you tell your child that we are going to Disney for your birthday and that trip is a few months either way of the birthday that is fine And if Disney doesn't care it really doesn't make a difference. What bothers me is when somebody arrives someplace and then decides to "Fake" something beacause they think they will get special attention. What does that teach our kids?

I'm sorry but this is a real sore subject with me. I am not accusing anybody on this board of doing something wrong. I'm sorry but this is a real sore subject with me.

I do know a father that "faked" his kid needed a wheelchair knowing that they would get preferential treatment and get through lines faster. What a shame. (Don't remember if it was at Disney or Universal).

The majority of people abide by the rules. I just don't like it when somebody "scams" to get something extra that they would'nt normally get.

I will get off my soapbpx know. I didn't mean to accuse anybody here.

Go ahead and flame away. I can take the heat.

 

[kribit]

I do know a father that "faked" his kid needed a wheelchair knowing that they would get preferential treatment and get through lines faster. What a shame. (Don't remember if it was at Disney or Universal).

That is Wrong...plain and simple.

 

[Dizneydaz]

On our last trip my DD turned 7 on the last day. We actually flew home on her birthday. We did celebrate her birthday for the few days before we left (with the buttons, etc.) I had no problem with it. And it wasn't to get anything for free either. She enjoyed the attention the buttons brought and we celebrated her birthday at a few dinners and on her actual birthday, at 1900 PF. Other than getting a few complimentary desserts (we were on DDP anyway) I think the only other thing she got was a balloon, as we were departing from POP. A CM noticed her button and asked if she would like a special balloon. Since it was really her birthday, she answered yes. She carried it with her to breakfast where she was presented with a crown and a cupcake. I need to say that when anyone asked if it was her birthday (and it was a few days away) she made sure she told them that no, it wasn't, but we were celebrating it early.

We are going again this Sept. and we will be celebrating her 8th brithday even though this time, we will not be there for the actual day. The last two years we have spent her and WDW (6 & 7), so this year I'm making sure we will be home so she can spend her day with friends and family.

For the first time ever, I went to Disneyland on my actual birthday and while they didn't ask for I.D., I would have been happy to show it. As we walked throught the gates at California Adventure, the CM said Happy Birthday and make sure you get your button at Guest Services (we have annual passes and if it's your birthday, it comes up on the screen). I did get the button and got a few special things: a dozen tortillas at the Mission Tortilla Factory-instead of the usual 1; and during the Beach Party Blast parade the little green soldier in front of me kept saying my name over the microphone (he read it off my button); and finally, alot of CM wished me "Happy Birthday". My slightly younger sister was so jealous, however, of all the attention I received that she made sure we went on her in November. So we did!

Quick note-in 2005 we were there for both my DD and my DM actual birthdays. For my DM special day we ate at California Grill. Other than a birthday dessert (again we were on DDP) they did nothing! And I mentioned it when I made ADR and checked in at the desk. It seemed to me that last year (2006) they made more of a big deal about it. But then, maybe it's just me.

If someone wants their child to lie to receive something they aren't entitled to, then later in life, when that same child lies to them, then I guess that'll be their reward for teaching them to lie.

That's my 2 cents.

 

[cleo]

We aren't talking about wheelchairs on this thread, we're talking about Birthday Buttons. And it isn't lying, nor is it faking. It's something DISNEY WILL GIVE YOU, for free, knowing full well it isn't the actual day. And they'll do it with a smile.

There is no deception of any kind, there is no 'scamming', there is nothing even slightly dishonest about it. Disney not only approve, they ENCOURAGE you to celebrate your special days, regardless of when that day falls in the calendar year. Ever hear of the Disney 'magic'? This is part of what DISNEY do to make your stay magical.

There is no reason to 'condone' something that isn't illegal, breaks no rules, and does no one any harm. No one needs to be judged by anyone here or anywhere else for doing something that is PERFECTLY FINE and PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE by the company who provide the service.

If you don't want to do it out of your own sense of what is right for you or your family, fine, don't get a birthday button if it isn't the actual calendar day. But Disney are not judging those who choose to celebrate when they stay, and, in my opinion, neither should anyone else.

Disney have set their rules. You set your own rules for your own family. But don't tell anyone else they are immoral or breaking any rules when they aren't.

For those who want to get the birthday button on an alterante day...do it! Disney will wish you a Happy day and so will I. You will be doing nothing wrong and should not be made by anyone to think otherwise.

 

[Donaldsfan176]

If someone wants their child to lie to receive something they aren't entitled to, then later in life, when that same child lies to them, then I guess that'll be their reward for teaching them to lie.

Nicely said!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

cleo,
It's good to see someone tell it like it is on here within reason of course & to remind people that when others celebrate birthday's early at WDW, if they end up getting the birthday buttons it is their business & no one elses.

 

[krismom]

I have to say- all the buttons and wedding ears and such have been so overdone in the last few years. You were in the minority on my last few trips if you weren't celebrating something! It's like that line in The Incredibles... if everyone is special, then no one is. Just my $.02

 

[cleo]

The idea of teaching your child to lie is just absurd. You can walk right up to the counter, tell them it isn't your child's birthday but you'd like to celebrate it during your stay anyway and Disney will wish them a Happy Birthday and give them a badge.

There is no need to lie. Be right up front about it, in front of your child, and ignore those who have their own buttons wound a bit too tight. Sorry, but no one here is advocating lying.

Say it right out loud:

TODAY ISN'T MY BIRTHDAY!

Shout it from the rooftops if you want to. DISNEY DOESN'T CARE! Why, unless they are bent on controlling people they don't even know, would a stranger care?

If you weren't entitled to a badge, Disney wouldn't give you one. You get NOTHING besides the badge, so there is no 'entitlement' beyond that.

And they aren't for making you 'special' to Disney. They're for feeling special within your own family.

 

[tedhowe]

We were at Disney this past week and we celebrated my daughter's 5th birthday there.

Her actual birthday was on Sunday the 4th, the day we arrived. The CM at the desk that day gave her a birthday button. When we had lunch at Olivia's on Sunday the 4th, the CM did bring out a piece of chocolate cake with a candle, and Grace had everyone in the restaurant sing happy birthday.

It was a very nice and unexpected celebration... we had totally not expected anything regarding her birthday.

The next day was our celebration of Grace's birthday at Cinderella's Royal Table. We had told the Disney Dining cast member that we were celebrating her birthday 6 months ago when we booked the reservation. The only thing special that we had was a birthday cupcake and a round of happy birthday again. These are things that anyone in any restaurant can get any day of the year.

The rest of the day, the only extra "magic" we got were "Happy Birthday Grace!" from quite a few cast members and a few other guests.

We weren't looking for free dining, or special presents or anything. We got exactly what we were hoping for - a little extra magic for a 5 year old girl to make her feel special for her birthday.

I don't feel in the least bit like I "abused the system" by letting her wear the button on the day after her birthday - that was the day we were celebrating. Most of her birthday itself was taken up by travel and checking in.

We did, however, decide that wearing the button on the next day would be too much. One day of celebration for your birthday - if it's not the exact day, so be it. Seems fair to me.

Ted

 

[nyfinfan]

If it can be New Year's Eve everynight @ PLeasure Island, than why can't it be your Birthday everyday?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If it can be New Year's Eve everynight @ PLeasure Island, than why can't it be your Birthday everyday?

That's a great example & it's similar to this example when this topic was posted a few months ago. WDW starts putting Christmas decorations in November around or after Thanksgiving & celebrate it everyday. However Christmas as we all know is December 25, so isn't WDW lying about celebrating Christmas a month early?

Also what about the taping of the WDW Christmas Parade? Eventhough it's broadcasted December 25th, everyone who goes to the taping knows it happens the 1st week of December. So how do you explain to your kids why is Santa Clause is there so early when Christmas has not happened yet?

 

[cleo]

Frankly, the whole of Disney is a 'lie' if you want to go down that road. The Kilimanjaro Safari isn't in Kilimanjaro nor is it a real Safari. You don't actually go under the sea when you visit Nemo and Friends and that tower they have at MGM Studios doesn't really take you anywhere in an elevator.

And guess what dirty little secret lies behind all those characters you're paying so much money to have breakfast with.................?

Do we have to tell our children about them in the spirit of absolute honesty? If so....you go first.

But I'll still get a birthday badge cuz it don't break no rules and it sure ain't lying.

 

[MrsTomMorrow]

If it can be New Year's Eve everynight @ PLeasure Island, than why can't it be your Birthday everyday?

There is a difference in celebrating your birthday and flat out lying saying it is your birthday on a day that is not.

 

[Cass]

And it isn't lying, nor is it faking.

What is happening to this board where you can't express an opinion without a moderator telling you you're wrong and she is right? That what she says is the only way.

It's just an opinion - like everyone elses.

 

[cleo]

The fact is, it isn't a matter of opinion. It's a matter of policy. If you get the policy wrong, you get it wrong.

Your opinion is worth as much as mine and we're all entitled to one. But if you're going to call someone a liar because they got a birthday badge on a day that's not their birthday...well, in the case of it being at Disney, you would be calling it wrong. It isn't a lie to ask for a birthday badge because Disney doesn't CARE when you celebrate. The point is, you don't HAVE to lie so there would be no point in lying. You get it for telling the truth, too.

Now, if I'd said 'You're all a bunch of Dopeys and I'm closing this thread because I'm right, you're wrong, and you have no right to an opinion', you'd have a point.

I haven't done that. I've only pointed out a fact, and that fact is, there is no reason someone who wants to celebrate their birthday on an alternate day in Disney and they want to wear a birthday badge while doing it, shouldn't do exactly that. They're entitled to do so and the only people who count on that score (them and Disney) both agree it's perfectly fine.

But I appreciate the fact you acknowledge I have a right to an 'opinion' about things, too, even if it isn't a matter of opinion as regards this thread.

 

[soupy11]

Frankly, the whole of Disney is a 'lie' if you want to go down that road. The Kilimanjaro Safari isn't in Kilimanjaro nor is it a real Safari. You don't actually go under the sea when you visit Nemo and Friends and that tower they have at MGM Studios doesn't really take you anywhere in an elevator.

And guess what dirty little secret lies behind all those characters you're paying so much money to have breakfast with.................?

Do we have to tell our children about them in the spirit of absolute honesty? If so....you go first.

But I'll still get a birthday badge cuz it don't break no rules and it sure ain't lying.

Now this is really stretching things to make your point. I think it is safe to say we get it, you find it acceptable.

I think the only problem some have with this whole concept is when people do claim it is a birthday when it was really 4 months ago, in the hopes of scoring some kind of freebie. Nothing wrong with disagreeing with it, nothing wrong with agreeing with it. No need to stretch and strain credulity by comparing it to the fact that the characters aren't real.....

 

[Cass]

Now, if I'd said 'You're all a bunch of Dopeys and I'm closing this thread because I'm right, you're wrong, and you have no right to an opinion', you'd have a point.

It's only a matter of time before that happens